Ozone depletion concerning for Antarctic organisms in their life cycles

Climate change theoretically means long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which are very much visible in the form of scorching heat waves, incessant rains, subsequent floods, and more. The extreme weather patterns are now impacting the lives of species on the planet Earth. 

The ozone hole which forms over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink in the past 25 years. The ozone layer is vital for obstructing UV radiation from the sun making it dangerous for Antarctic plant and animal species. 

The new study titled, "Extended ozone depletion and reduced snow and ice cover—Consequences for Antarctic biota", published in the journal Global Change Biology, mentioned that even as the hole has shrunk it has persisted for an unusually long time over the last four years. 

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Stratospheric ozone is critical for shielding the biosphere against ultraviolet-B radiation, but the study mentioned that it has been depleted in recent decades by the release of anthropogenic gases. 

The hole over Antarctica continues to appear each year even though the estimate suggest that the ozone layer is expected to recover before the end of the 21st century. 

The ozone depletion was not a big issue as it usually peaks between September and October - a time when most Antarctic terrestrial vegetation and soil biota are frozen and dormant. They remain protected under snow cover. Emperor Penguins and some seals breed on the sea ice over winter and into spring, respectively - but their lives are in danger. 

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The study highlighted that the ozone depletion has persisted until late December, which is concerning because high incident of UV-B radiation "coincide with snowmelt and emergence of vegetation will mean biota is more exposed". 

"The implication that climate change may delay the recovery of one of our key planetary boundaries—the ozone layer, also reinforces the importance of immediate action to decarbonize the global economy," the study mentioned in its conclusion.